Video: Story check (Suspense and conflict)

In order to give your readers the thrill of anticipation, you've got to give them a taste of the conflict that's at the heart of your story. Here are the questions to ask to be sure you're on the right track. First, what are the specific this versus that sources of conflict? Can we anticipate what the protagonist will have to battle in order to achieve his goal? Can we begin to calculate the emotional cost he will have to pay? Second, are the seeds of future conflict planted right there beginning on page 1? Readers love being a step ahead of the protagonist.

Watch the Online Video Course Writing Fundamentals: The Craft of Story

1h 59mBeginnerJan 31, 2013

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In this course, author Lisa Cron digs into the craft of writing a compelling story based on what the brain is wired to respond to in every story we hear. Whether you're writing a story from scratch, or revising your story for the umpteenth time, this course offers practical how-to advice, then illustrates it using before-and-after examples. Discover how to craft a first page, zero in on your story's point, create empathy, find a character's secret goals and inner issues, translate generics into specifics, write for suspense, create cause-and-effect connections, build momentum and tension, and deftly implement setups, payoffs, flashbacks, subplots, and foreshadowing.

Story check (Suspense and conflict)

In order to give your readers the thrill of anticipation, you've got to give them a tasteof the conflict that's at the heart of your story.Here are the questions to ask to be sure you're on the right track.First, what are the specific this versus that sources of conflict?Can we anticipate what the protagonist will have to battle in order to achieve his goal?Can we begin to calculate the emotional cost he will have to pay?Second, are the seeds of future conflict planted right there beginning on page 1?Readers love being a step ahead of the protagonist.

Have you given them enough hints so they can anticipate the problems that the protagonistmight not yet be aware of?Third, does the conflict force the protagonist to take action?The one thing you don't want your protagonist to be is passive, so no matter how much you'dreally rather sit this one out, don't let him. Make sure the story forces him to take action.Fourth, if you're withholding specific facts for a big reveal later, are you sure it actuallymakes your story better?Don't be afraid of giving too much away as you write, because you can always pare back later when you're editing.

Besides, showing your hand is often a very good thing indeed. Now, it's your turn.Open the example in your exercise files and practice by adding conflict to a premise thatat the moment isn't terribly exciting.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing, Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along Premium memberships include access to all exercise files in the library.

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Learn by watching, listening, and doing! Exercise files are the same files the author uses in the course, so you can download them and follow along. Exercise files are available with all Premium memberships.
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